How to Find Lost Children

Child walking by himself

Losing a child is often one of a parent's worst fears. It can be easy to lose a child in a crowd or in a busy place such as a store, mall or amusement park. It is important to speak with children at home about what to do if they get lost and to provide them some tools to stay safe while you look for them. There are also some ways to help you find your child as fast as possible. If you ever suspect that your child has been taken by someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Paper with contact information
• Safety pin
• Cell phone
• Photo of child

Instructions

1. Speak to your children at home often about what to do if they get lost so that they do not panic and know what they should do. If you are in an amusement park or store, instruct them to find someone wearing a nametag because that means that person works there and can help them. They can also look for a security guard. Have them tell that person that they are lost and to stay with that person until you can locate them.

2. Safety pin a piece of paper with your name and cell phone number, as well as the name and cell phone number of another emergency contact who is not with you, to the inside of one of their pockets. Remind your child that the piece of paper is there so that they can tell the person in authority how to reach you. Keep the volume of your cell phone ringer on high so that you can hear it in a crowd.

3. Give older children a cell phone with your name and phone number programmed into it to carry with them in case they get separated from them. Instruct them on how to call 9-1-1 if they feel they are in danger.

4. Identify a meeting place for older children to find you if they get separated. Make it an easy spot to find and to get to. Do this every time you are in a public place where separation may happen.

5. Don't panic if your child gets lost. Find someone in authority to help you as soon as possible, such as a store manager or security guard. Keep current pictures of your child in your wallet with their height and weight written on the back.

6. Snap a photo of your child with your phone that morning so that you have an up-to-date picture of your child wearing the same clothes they are in at that time to help others identify your child. It can also be a good idea to dress your child in bright colors and easy-to-spot shirts to make it easier to see them in a crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach your children to follow their instincts when it comes to strangers--some strangers are friendly and some are not. If someone feels unsafe to be around or to talk to, they are probably right. Tell them it's okay to get away from someone who does not feel safe and to always run towards other people.

References

• The Parent Report: Lost Children -- Tips on Crowd Safety
• Holiday City: Steps to Prevent a Parent's Worst Nightmare --- A Missing Child
• ABC News: What to Do Before Kids Get Lost in a Crowd